Bishop Abram Charles

Abram H. Charles, 81 of Lancaster went home to be with the Lord on April 17, 2013. He was the husband of Ruth Keller Charles with whom they celebrated 60 years of marriage in March. Born in Manor Township, he was the son of the late Abram B. and Anna Charles.

He was a farmer and assisted with farm work even into retirement. He was ordained pastor of Millersville Mennonite Church in 1962 for 15 years and then served as Bishop of the Manor District Church’s for 23 years, retiring in 2000. Abe’s love for the church was evident through faithful service in many different avenues of the church.

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, reading and time spent with family. Many benefitted from the work of his creative mind and skilled hands. He was deeply appreciated as a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by six children; Carol, wife of David Peachey of Mifflinburg, Clifford, husband of Nancy Herr of Lancaster, Sharon, wife of Richard Weaver of Lititz, Phyllis, wife of Douglas Beachy of Ohio, Brenda, wife of James Musser of Ephrata, and Rosene of Lancaster; 20 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; two brothers; Roy, husband of Elsie Mellinger of Strasburg and John, husband of Blanche Mummau of Lancaster. He was preceded in death by two sisters; Mary Kreider and Elizabeth Charles.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 22, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at the Millersville Mennonite Church, 439 Manor Avenue, Millersville, PA with the Rev. Wesley Penner and Bishop Samuel Thomas officiating. Friends may call at the church on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. and on Monday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the service. Interment in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice and Community Care, P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.

Messages of Condolence

Stu Metzlersays:

So sorry for your loss. I hadn’t gotten to know Abe well, but he was always willing to serve others. We met while moving a dryer down into the basement at Betty and Rose’s place a few years back and since them I have always appreciated his heart for others.

Susan (Charles) Noltensays:

I was saddened to hear of “Abie’s” (the name we all knew him by) passing. I have many fond memories of walking or riding my bike back the lane to buy eggs, see the pigs, or skate on the pond. I am sorry I cannot attend the funeral due to distance, but my prayers will be with your family.
Susie (Charles) Nolten

Jim Gochnauersays:

Dear Ruth and family: Grace and peace as you mourn the passing of your husband and father, but celebrate as well a life vigorously lived for Jesus. I am told (although neither Abe nor Mel Delp recall this) that your dad was responsible for my finding a wife! Mel Delp reportedly called your dad to inquire about any young men who might be interested in coming to Baltimore to serve in VS at their youth center for the summer. Abe recommended me and I met Ruthi there! I also remember your dad and mother coming along with Rosie (as we called her back then) and some other FMH kids to Washington, D.C. on the 4th of July to pass out tracts and do open-air ministry with Open Air Campaigners. I recall Rose expressing surprise on the way home at how passionately she saw her dad sharing Jesus that day–apparently a role in which she had never partnered with him before. Your dad was a great man of faith. Enjoy the memories. Blessings for the journey. Jim & Ruthi

Ed and Jane Holbrooksays:

Our condolences, thoughts, and prayers are with the family. We recall Bishop Abram Charles and the eulogy he offered for Elizabeth, our neighbor … a message with words so well chosen and presented.

Melvin H. Thomassays:

To Ruth and family,

Having learned of the loss of the love your life, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, these quotes come to mind.

“When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight. –Kahlil Gibran

“What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” –Helen Keller

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” –Jesus

May you find comfort in the numerous way you walked with and stood by your loved one in the joys and challenges of life.

With our love…

Mel Thomas & Geneva Rufenacht

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